Name of the Project
Yeelirrie uranium project.

Location
The project is located in the Northern Goldfields region of Western Australia, about 70 km south-west of Wiluna.

Project Owner/s
Cameco Australia.

Project Description
Yeelirrie is one of Australia’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.

The project has estimated resources of 127.3-million pounds of uranium, with an average ore grade of 0.16% uranium.

Cameco proposes to produce up to 7 500 t/y of uranium oxide concentrate (UOC) through the development and operation of two openpits and on-site metallurgical plant.

The ore will be processed using an alkali tank leaching process, followed by direct precipitation.

All tailings generated will be returned to the tailings storage facility (TSF) in the openpit.

The project will include:
• an on-site quarry to provide raw construction materials.
• a pit dewatering system consisting of trenches, sump drains and pumps.
• a water supply borefield and associated infrastructure.
• a water reinjection borefield and associated infrastructure.
• a surface water diversion system to exclude water from the mining area, the tailings and stockpiled ore.
• an electricity supply network powered by a series of on-site diesel, or gas-fired, generators. A new gas pipeline extension of about 50 km will be required for the gas-fired generator option, with a connection to the Wiluna to Kalgoorlie pipeline. If this option were to be developed, it would be subjected to a separate approval;
• buildings, including workshops, offices and warehouses.
• an accommodation village and
• associated infrastructure, including potable water and sewage treatment plants.

UOC will be trucked to the Port of Adelaide for export.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The federal government has given environmental approval for the development of the Yeelirrie uranium project.

The federal approval followed state government approval in January 2017.

Project developer Cameco Australia GM Simon Williamson has welcomed the decision, noting that it has been a rigorous and extensive environmental assessment process. The company has worked with the federal government department over the two-year process to demonstrate how it will reduce and manage any environmental risks.

However, Cameco has not promised a speedy development of Yeelirrie, noting that any decision to advance the company’s projects in Western Australia will depend on market conditions.

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has welcomed the environmental approval, pointing out that Australia has the world's largest endowment of uranium resources and is well placed to continue to supply growing global markets with affordable, near zero-emissions energy.

The MCA has called on the federal and state governments to stop delays on mining project approvals, which MCA CEO Tania Constable has said threatens job creation and hurts Australia’s regional and remote communities.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Cameco, tel +61  8 9480 0675.